Envelope filling and closing machine



G. F. Russ. ENVLOPLE-FILLING AND CLOSING MACHINE.

G. F. RUSS. ENVELOFE FILLING ANDACLOSING MACHINE l APPucATmN man ocr. 2. 1920. 1,421,835'. Patented Ju1y'4, 1922. Y zsHEETs-SHEET 2.

Y NSN mw mbv e. F. Russ. ENVELOPE FILLING AND CLOSING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 20, 1920. I I

Patented July 4, 1922.

.774 "17a 4%? frz.; do /l minimi Q93, .3 .90 IIIII'...

hwg jawn.

1.95. "aff G. F. Russ. K ENVELOPE FILLING `ANI)v CLOSING MACHINE.

APPLICATION IIILED OCT.. 20,1920.

Paten-ted July 4, 1922.

7 sHETs-SHEET 4 G.F.`Russ. ENVELOPE FILLING AND CLOSING MACHINE.

Patented July 4,1922.

7 shears-'SHEET 5 G. F. RUSS. E'NVELDPE FILLING AND CLOSING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED' OCT. 20, 1920. 1,421,835, Patentedluly 4, 1922.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

G. F. RUSS. ENVELOPE FILLING vAND CLOSING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 20, 1920. 1,421,835.

Patented July 4, 1922.

ISHEETS-SHEET 1.

i III HH" IIIII www GEORGE RUSS, F JERSEY CJI'LY,`NEW .if 1:1

ENVELOPE -lEILLING AND CLOSNG MACHINE.

inea.

Specification of Letters Patent. 'l Pammm-,qgdgmly 49 i922 Application le .october 20: 1920. C Serial No. 418,258.

To all'whom it may concern: l

Be it known that I, GEORGE F. Russ, a citizen 'of the United States, residing at .Jersey City, in the county of Hudson, State of New Jersey, have ,invented certain new and useful Improvements in Envelope Filling' and Closing Machines, of which the fol- .lowing is a specification.

My present invention relates to machines' for inserting` mailifiatter, such as circulars,

letters, bills, notices, etc., into envelopes.

' to provide means for inserting a plurality of circulars, or the vlike into envelopes; to provide means for automatically advancing the envelopes one by one, and while so' doing to turn the flap into substantially the .line 7-7, Fig. 1.

same plane as the body of the envelope; to'

open the mouth of the envelope and hold the flap open during the insertion of such matter; to advance the envelope after the insertion of the mailable matter; to provide means whereby the contents of the envelope will be Vpushed further into the envelope if not sufficiently therein; to advance the en- ,velope with its contents to ar osition where the Hap of Athe envelope wil be moved to cloesd position, and also sealed, when de sir )While I am aware that machines have heretofore been made for accomplishing similar objects, to the bestv of my knowledgeand belief, the mechanism an mode of voperation herein shown and described is new. A

The details ofA constnuction and` operation` are hereinafter particularly described.

In the accompanying drawings:

of the mechanism for opening the mouth of lthe envelope.

" Fig. 7 is a lve `ical section on the broken Fig. 8 is a top view of one ofthe dogs and its trame.

Fig. 9 is aisectional 4vviewof'tlie same taken on the line 9-`-9, Fig.- 8.

10 is a detail. side view partly in section ofthe adjustable feedI for the circulars, and

11 which maybe bolted or otherwise secured The principal objects of the invention are to any suitable base or foundation' 7 VVthin aligned openings in theY center voit the frame plates 10 and 11, are Xed bearings 12 and 13 for the main shaft 14 to one end ofv which, projecting be ond the frame plate '11 is fixed a vdrive pulley 15.

A cylinder 16 is mounted upon the main shaft 14 between the frame plates 10 and 11, there ybeing broad spokes 17 having an elongated hub 18 which extend inwardly from one side of the cylinder tov near its center, said hub being keyed or otherwise fixed to the main shaft as at 19. The other half of 'the cylinder 16 Aisopen or without spokes to permit clearance 'of the shafts and arms which extend into the cylinder while the same is rotating.

- A gear wheel 20 is mounted on the main shaft 14 ata predetermined point within the open half of the cylinder, said vwheel4 being provided with a hub -21 which is keyed or otherwise secured to saidshaft as at 22.

This gear wheel 2O meshes with a pinion l cured to the other or outer end of the shaft Figure 1 is a central vertical section of' `my improvedimachine.

24 beyond the frame plate' 10.

` 27 indicates two upri' htV arms extending from thefside plates with which theyare preferably integral, or they may be secured at their lower ends to the sideplates in any suitable manner; these arms are in alignment and are slightly inclined backwardly.

-liiitegral with or secured to each a of these arms there are sleeves 28, inclined' slightly downwardly in the reverse direction to the inclination of the arms, the inner or facing sides of the sleeves-being cut away leaving a lon itudinal slot 29. lRods 30 pass throng and are supported by tliesesleeves, and consequently such rods are positioned at. the saine inclination with the sleeves, that is, they are' inclined slightlydown lill@ wardly'towards the front 'of thel machine.

y Brackets- 31 extend'from and between the two opposite upright arms 27 at a predetermined distance above the periphery of l the cylinderf16, to which brackets are se',-4

cured ltwo spaced sleeves 32 having longii i tudinal slots 33 'in theil` Aupper surface; rods between the siderods with the iiap edges resting downT-upon the two lower rods 34,

the flaps 36 pointingupward and facing forward.

It.` will be seen that the longitudinal slots in the vrespective sleeves prevent the envelope contacting .with the sleevesy as they move forward in the magazine, their ends passing freely between thesmooth surfaces of theside rods and their underedgesfsliding easily over` the smooth surfaces of the bottom rods. ,The envelopes are placed into the magazine in considerable quantity and will move, down the inclined .holder by gravityl when the machine is in operation, but if desired a weight, or other pusher (not showin) may be placed in the magazi'ne to' the rear of the stack.

The two top sidev rods 30 extend forward' a predetermined distance beyond the forward en ds of the bottom rods34 land to each of these ends -of the top side rods are secured a bearing 37 .for a short horizontal ,shaft 38, which shafts extend toward'each other within the magazine and have loosely mounted upon their freeends anj anti-friction roller 39. hanging link- 40 is' connected at one end to each of the shafts 38, and to the lower end of each of these links thereis pivotally connected another anti- ,friction roller 4 1, which rollers are of so1newhat larger diameter than the roll'ers 39. These rollers 39 and 41 bear against the forward envelope in the magazine to retain lthe stack of envelopes in properposition,

A but allow the envelopes to be wlthdrawn'one at a time bylthe mechanism hereafter de.-

scribed. v

42 denotes two vertical bracket extensions of the frame plates 10 and 11. These brackets are in alignment upon the opposite upper portions ,of the two frame plates at a -predetermined distance to the left of the envelope magazine, and correspond with each other in shape.

Projecting upwardly from the top of 4each bracket 42 at the end nearest the envelope magazine, and at aforward inclination, is' a post 43 provided with sleeves having longitudinal slots 45v in their inner or facing sides; these slotted sleevesdhave "the same inclination as the posts 43. Rods 46 pass through'and are supported by these sleeves. At a point below the` rods 46 a cross bar 47 extends between the posts 43,.

are arranged vertically in the magazine,

that is with one longitudinal edge resting 'crosswse upon the smoothupper surfaces of the rods 50 over which they will readily slide toward the front ofthe inclined magazine by gravity, but if' desired, a weight or other -pusher (not shown,) may be placed in themagazine at the rearof the stack.

A cross bar 52 is supported by the for- Ward ends of the two'top rods 46, the ends fof the rods` ,passin through holes in the v,bar adjacent lts en and itis fixed in the desired position on. such rods by'means of screws V53 by Awhich it may be adj-usted nearer toor further from the ends of such rods.` At equal distances from each end of the crossbar. 52 on one side thereof, there aretwo spaced lugs 54 between each pair of 'which is ivotedi an anti-friction roller 55 which ro ers bear against the upper-front of the stack of circulars or other contents ofthe magazine.

At that end of each vertical frame bracket 42 nearest the envelope magazine and on the facing sides of said frame brackets, there is an inwardly extending bracket 56 which is yat an inclination corresponding with that-of the magazine for the circulars, and upon each of these brackets 56 there is mounted al slidable block 57 provided with a longitudinal slot 58 through which passes a set-screw 59 b which the blocks 57 are clamped to the ends of the blocks 57 are recessed on the inner side as yat 60 and have transverse holes therein which provide bearings for a rock shaft 61 having integral lugs `62 adjacent such bearings This shaft 61 is provided with two spaced arms 63 which project forwardly at right angles to the shaft.

The free ends of the arms 63 form bearings for .a transverse shaft 64 upon each projecting end of which is-ixed a rubber roller 65, the peripheries of which are adjacent the beveled under surface of the two bottom rods'50 of the magazine for the mailable matter, and inlsu'ch position thereto that a number of the .most forward circulars in. the magazine rest upon the perackets 56. lThe forward' nearest of these rollers 65 (see Figs. 1, 4i and 5.) ln the lugs 62 on the rock shaft 61 there are Cthreaded vertical holes intoA which. screws 66 are inserted, the lower endsof which bear upon the top ofthe brackets l56 and by means 'of which the shaft 61 may be rocked thereby raising or lowering the arms 63 and bringing the. rollers- 65 nearer to or further from the bottom of, the magazine for the circulars, while bythe manipulation of the screws 59 the rollers may bey moved backward or forward when desired. Ata predetermined distance from and 1 forward ofthe circular holding magazine above described, andv positioned somewhat lower,` there is another'magazine or holder for circulars or other matter for insertion into the envelopes, which second magazine is of like construction to the one already de;

scribed, but inclined in the lopposite direction., that is, the side posts 67 extend upwardly from the frame brackets 42 inclined towards the upper magazine. These side posts are provided with sleeves 68 cut away on theirinner or facing sides, leaving longitudinal slots-69. Rods 70 pass Ythrough and are supported by these sleeves.

Brackets 71 extend from and between the i two posts 67, and these/brackets are provided withtwo spaced sleeves cut away and leavving longitudinal slots 73 in their tops.- Rods x 74 pass through-and are supported'bythese *sleeves and form a rest for the circulars240 or otherl mailable matter which are arranged' in this magazine in the same manner as in the 'upper or rst described circular holder.. j Ar c'ro bar '75 is supported bythe 'for' ward endsof the two top rods 70, the ends `of whichpass through holes in the cross bar adjacent its ends, and it is secured by screws 76 which allow of the adjustment of the bar onA the rods.`

"As in the other circular holder, this Icross bar 7 5 is provided with two pairs of spaced lugs 77 between each pair o which is pivoted an anti-friction roller 78, which' rollers i l bear against the upper front of thestackof circulars inv this holder.

. There is also provided at this orw'ard end of the side frame brackets two aligned brackets 79 similar to the brackets 56 in-v clined at the same angle las the magazine at this end` ofthe machine, and slidable blocks vao similar to the blocks 57 are pmvideawah set screws 81 and jrock shaft "82 provided with lugs l8d3. This shaft is also" provided' with two spaced arms 8,4, the freefends of y:which vform bearings for a transverse shaft 85j carrying on each enda fixed rubber roller 86, the peripheries of which rollers `vare adjacent the beveled under' surface of i the two bottom rods 74 of themagazine, and as inthe .other instance are in such rela- ,y tive position to the: magazine that a number of the most forward circulars in this niagazine'rest upon the peripheries of these 'roll-V ers 86, I(see Figs. 1, 4 and 5.) Screws 87 similar to the screws 66, and for the same purpose, pass through lugs 83.

The cylinder 16 revolves ina direction indicated by the arrow. The gear wheel 20 on' threaded holes inthe sprocket wheels 26 and 88, and is fixed to the f end of a shaft 92 supportedin a bearing 93 inthe side frame 10. This spur wheel also engages with the sprocket Achain 90. A gear .wheel94 -xed to the shaft 92 meshes with the gear wheel v95 fixed 'to the transverse shaft 96 supported in suitable bearings in the sideframes. To this shaft 96 is ixed a gear wheel 97 which in turn--mesheswith the gear wheel 98 fixed to a shaft 99. Upon this shaft 99 there isalso fixed `Ia cam 100. 101v indicates a bell crank lever fixed to a shaft 102 'supported in bearings in the side brackets. To one end of this lever 101 there is-pivoted a roller 103. The other end of the'lever is` bifurcated and a picker finger 104 inserted .therein and secured by a pivot pin 105. A

spiral spring 106 is connected at one end to the upper end. of the linger 104 and at its other end to the lever. The cam contacts with the roller 103 on the lever 101.

.A The shaft 99 carrying the cam rotates in the direction' indicated by the arrow, consaquently in rotation the bell crank leverl 101 and the picker finger 104 will moved by the action of the cam upon t e roller 103 from the position shown in Figa 1 eand 4 to that indicated by dotted linea in Fig. 5, and it will be noted that in this position the end or point of the linger isin contact with the frontof the stack of envelo s in the magazine, being held in said position by the con- 'traction of the spring 106, ata point abovel the upturned flap `of the -iirst envelope. lt

will also be apparent that' this spring will 'insure the finger continuin to bear against the -body of the'rst enve ope during the downward movement of the bell crank lever 101 whereby the finger will pass between the body of the first envelope and its upturned flap so that the ilap will beearried outward from the bodyl of the envelope and pressed down `upon t 'lhe spring 106 'permits .the point of the nger to continue to press the ila-p in con tact with` the 'moving cylinder until the earn 100 again begins to actupon the roller 103.l

Upon the periphery of the cylinder 16 at eaual'dinances apart there are inclined del e periphery of the rotating cylinder 16 as shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 5.

, Each of these dogs has an integral stem 110 which projects through slots 111 in the cylinder, the under part of 'each slot being inclined as at 112 at one side of such stems.

Onepend of a spiral spring 113 is connected to the stem of each dog, the other ends of such springs being secured to the framesl 109. Pads 114 of rubber orother suitable material a're inserted into recesses 115-in the dog frames with ichthe jaws of the dogs contact when in their normal positions; these do and their 'frame are shown in detail in lgs. 8 and 9 of the drawings.

An arm or bracket 116 secured to the side frame 10 by bolts 117 or other suitable means extends to the vertical center of the cylinder 16 within the same, upon the free end of which arm 'there is a stationary cam 118 directly in the path of the dogs 108. a

When in the rotation of the cylinder 16 the stem 110 of a dog 108 contacts withthe' stationary cam 118, it rides over the top of the cam4 opening the 'aw of the dog as shown in Figs. 1 and 4. e movements are so timed that this occurs at the timethe flap of an envelope has' been opened andl pressed 'into' one ofthe inclined depressions V107 as before described and as shown in Figs. 1 and 4. When the stem of the dog passes off the cam 118 a spring 113 contracts thereby closing the jaw ofthe dog upon the forward end of the open flap of the envelope, grippingthe flap and drawing the envelope out ofthe magazine and along with the rotating cylin- Itened to the cylinder.

der, thev fiap of the envelope 'being inthe in. clined depression while .the body of the envelope rests upon the higher surface of th'e cylinder, thus the iiap is bent downward leaving lstructed. Y

the mouth of the envelope unob 119 denotes a plurality of pawls, located within transverse'slots 120 in the cylinder between the dogs 108 but out of alignment therewith. One end of each pawl is fixed to a shaft 121 while the under surface of itS free end normally rests upon an inclined portion 122 of the slot. A lug 123 at one side of each pawl 'and fixed to the shaft 121 extends into the cylinder. A spiral spring 124 is. connected at one end to the lowerpartv of each lug 123, their other ends being fas- A fixed to the side frame 1Q extends to 'a point in line with the path An arm or'rod 125 rolls 133.

of the lugs 123 and is provided at its end with a stationary cam 126 with. which these lugs contact durlng the rotation of the cylinder 16. As the'points of the lugs-"123 ride over the top of the cam 126 the shafts 121 are rocked thereb raising .the free ends-of the pawls (see F1 A6), andwhen the lugs pass olf saidcamt e pawls are drawn back spiral springs '124. The cam 126 is in such position that it operates one of .the pawlsl to normal position by the contraction of the pandedby the manipulation of` the-screw 122, thus varying the pressure of the roll.

As `an envelope is drawn from the magazine by one ofthe do 108 it passesunder this roll 127 which revolves" in the vdirection i `of the arrow, this not only'holds the body of the lenvelope down upon the periphery of the cylinder 16 but also-acts inV lconjunction with the pawls 119 to open the mouth of the envelope as shown in Flg. 6. f

Two-spaced apart anti-friction rolls 133 are mounted upon ythe shaft 89 which rolls lightly contact with the front of the stack of circulars 51.in the upper circular mag-v azine and in conjunction .with the rolls-55 serve to retain the= circulars iny this magazine,'but allow them to be with'drawnone ata time by the means next described. Y

Two spaced cams 134, preferably of rubber, are fixed. to the shaft v89 and extend slightly be ond the peripheries ofl -the A ese cams rotate in the direction of the arrows and in their movement periodically contact with .the forwardcircular-in the ma azine, carryin ,it down into contact with which direct the circular downwardly (as indicatedby the arrow and .broken line" in 135, preferably of'rubber, mounted -on a e periphery o the rollers 65 v Fig. 5,) when it is received between rollers transverse shaft96 and a roller 136 revolvf l ing in opposite direction which continue the,-

downward movement of the circular which passes loff the roll 1-36 upon a vguide. 137

curved to conform to the 'periphery of the rollers 135. The guide 137 is fixedl tov a bracket 138 loosely mounted on the shaft 96 which bracket also. supports .a slotted bearin 139 for the shaft 140 upon which they ro ler 136 is mounted. Upon this bracket 138 adjacent the lower.A end ofthe guide A137 there is another slotted bearing 141Ifor a shaft 142 upon which is mounted a roller 143, the periphery of' which is closely adjacent the peripheries of the rollers 135 and as the circularleaves the guide 137 it passes between the rollers 135 and 143 and is carried toward the rotating cylinder 16. The movements are so timed that at this Amoment one of the dogs 108 has drawn an 142 mounted in the slotted bearings 139 and 141 which gives the rollers 136 and 143 a resilientl bearing upon the circulars as they pass between these rolls and the roller 135 Integral with the bracket 138 and ex-- tending verticallyV therefrom at its longitudinal center is a bifurcated lug 146 into y, are mounted upon the shaft 154, which rollwhich is pivotally connected one end of la link 147, to the other end of which is pivotally connected a shorter link 148. Adjacent the free end of the link 148 there is a square sided opening vinto which is inserted one end of a square sided bar 149 which is adjustabletherein, and retained in position by a set screw '150 passing through a hole in the end of the bar. The other end of this bar 149 passes through a square sided opening in the cross bar 52 in which it is adjustableand retained in'a fixed position -by a set screw 151. The guide 137 is spaced a sufficient distance from the rollers 135 to permit the free passage of the thickest material made use of for mailing, and the feed of different thicknesses of material is provided -for by the adjustability of the links 147, 148, and bar 149, together with the resilient bearing of the rollers 136 and 143.

Agear wheel 152 is fixedl to the end of "the transverse shaft 89 at' the end opposite to that upon which the sprocket wheel 88 is fixed, and this gear wheel 152 meshes with another gear wheel 153 upon a shaft 154 mounted 1n bearings 155 in the side frames 10 and 11., x

Two spaced apart anti-friction rollers 156 ers lightly contact with the front of the stack of circulars in the lower or second 'magazine 'for the mailable matter and in conjunction with the rolls 78 serve to retain themailable matter in this magazine but :allow them to be withdrawn one at atime by the means next described.

Two spaced cams 157 preferably of. rubber, are fixed to the shaft 154-and extend slightly beyond the peripheries of the rollers 156. These cams rotate in the direction of the arrowsand in their rotation periodically contact' with the forward circular in this magazine carrying the circular down into contact with the periphery of the revolving roll 86 which directs the circular upon the slightly inwardly inclined guide mem ers 158. supported by the side frame f brackets.

An idler gear 159 mounted on a pin 160 fixed to the side frame 11 meshes with the gear wheel 153 and also'with a gear wheel 162 on a shaft 163 supported in bearings 164 in the side frame 11. Fixed to the shaft 163 are twospaced rollers 165-,preferably of rubber, which revolve in the direction of the arrows. A bracket 166 is loosely mounted on the shaft 163 and is provided with slotted bearings 167 for a transverse shaft 168 upon which is mounted an elongated roll 169. This bracket is also provided with slotted bearings 170 .for a transverse shaft 171 upon which yislmounted a roll 172 and between these rolls 169 and 172 the bracket 1 66 carries a curved guide 17 3. Wire springs '174 are coiled at their center around screws 175 upon the side frame brackets with their ends earing upon the shafts 168 'and 171. Integral with the bracket 166 and extending upwardly at a slight-inclination at the` longitudinal center thereof is a bifurcated lug 176. A link 177 having a longitudinal slot 178 in one end Vis inserted inthe lug 176 and a screw or rivet 179 passes through the said slot giving the link a pivotal and ad,- justable connection with the lug. In the free end of the link 177 there is a square sided opening into which passes one-end of a square sided bar 180. This bar is adjustablyretained in said opening by a set screw 181 which passes throu h a threaded hole in the end of the link. rghe other end of the bar passes through a square sided -opening in a cross bar 182 supported between the side .frame bracket extensions. The upper end of the bar 180 is ladjustably retained in the opening in the cross bar by means of a set screw 183, which' extends through a threaded hole in oneside ofl the cross bar. The guide 173 is spacedya sufcient distance from the rollers 165 to permit the .free passage 'of the thickest material made use of for mailing, and the feed of different thicknesses of material-lis provided for by the adjustability of the Vlink 177, and bar 180,

together wlth the resilient bearing of the rollers 169 and 17 2.

As the circulars pass 0E the lower ends of the guide members 158 they are gripped between 4the rollers 165 and roll 169 and are thereby carried onto the curved guide 173 over which they `arecarried by the rollers 165 and then between the rollers'165v and roll 172 by which they are directed towards ond magazine passes into the envelope unthe advancing envelope into v which" a cirderneath the first circular which projects slightly from the envelope, and this second circular tends to push the first circula'r fully within the envelope. In case I the contents of the envelope are notI pushed far enough .into the same after passing the feed mechal nism of the second circular magazine, I provide a pusher finger 184 which is arranged,

in thepath of the envelopes at a distanceV fromthe cylinder to clear the 'flaps ofthe envelope as they pass, but near enough so that any matter projecting from the mouthv of the envelope will contact with said finger and be pushed thereby fully into the envelope. This pusher finger is fitted in a j slotted bearingv185 and adjustably retained therein by a set screw 186 which bearing is loosely fitted on a cross shaft 187 supportedl with concave ooves in their outer surfaces forming one alf of the bearings for the two transverse shafts 191 and 192, the ends of which are inserted in said grooves. Blocks 193 and 194 provided with similar concave grooves form the other half of the bearings for saidv shafts. The blocks 193 are adjustvably connected with the projections 190 by means of screws 195 which ass through openingsr in the blocks of shghtlylarger diameter than the screws, while the threaded ends of the screws engage threaded openings in said rojections. Spiral springs 196 sur- .,round t e screws between their heads and the blocks 193. Rollers 197 and 198 are fixed to the shafts 191, 192, the peripheries e y These rollers 197, 198 are at a point below I and so that'the flap does not contact with` of which rollers have a resilient bearing against the periphery of the cylinder 16.

the pusher finger184 and so positioned that when an envelope is passing, the fiap of the envelope is still heldby one of the do s 108 in a'n inclined depression 107 of the cylinder,

such rollers, but as thebody of the envelope with'its contents'passes the pusher finger it is drawn between the periphery of the cylin der andthe rollers 197 and 198, which' rollers have a resilient bearing on the envelope retaining it upon the .cylinder and. also i guiding its forward movement. v

At apoint slightly below the rollers 198 and directly in the path of the dogs 108 there is a stationary cam 199 supported upon a bracket arm 200 .extending from the side-frame. As the stem'of the dog gripping the flap of an envelope rides over` this' cam 199 the aw of the dog is opened releasder.

ing its -grip on the flap of the envelope. This causes the flap to spring out of the inclined depression andfoutward fromlthe periphery of the cylinder, the body V of the envelope with its contents bein still between the rollers 198 and the periphery of the cylin- Two aligned brackets 201 extend forwardlyl from the side frames 10v and 11 in which are bearings for a transverse shaft 202.. Upon one. end of this shaft is fixed a sprocket wheel 203. 204 is another transverse shaft having its bearings in the side frames 10 and 11. Upon one end of this shaft 204C is fixed a sprocket wheel 205. A sprocket chain 206 passes over the wheels 203 and 205. A gear wheel 207 fixed on the Ishaft 204' meshes vwith the large'gear. wheel 20 on the drive shaft 14. A roller 208 is fixed to the shaft 202, the periphery of which roller contacts lightly with the periphery of a larger roller 209 mounted'on a transverse shaft 210 supported in bearings in the brackets 201, and closely approaches the peripheries of two smaller' rollers 211, preferably of rubber, mounted on a transverse .shaft 212 also supported in bearings in the brackets 201. The peripheries of these two rollers 211 are preferably knurle'd; A gear wheel 161 fixed to the shaft 202 meshes with a gear vwheel 236 fixed to the lshaft 210, by means of which thelroller 209 is rotated.

A trough 213 is supported by and between` the forward ends of the brackets 2.01 below the shaft 210 so that a portion of the roller 209 is within such trough.

Vertically disposed spaced guide strips` 2111 are 4'fixed to a cross piece 215 supported by and between the side -frames. -These guide strips. are positioned' between the cylinder 1 6 and rollers 208 and 21,1 and the upper ends of the guide strips are bentin wardly towards the` cylinder. When the flap of an envelope is released from the grlp of one of the dogs, as above described, it strikes against the roller 208 and as the body of thev envelope with its contents is carried downward by the action of the roll-` ers 198 its fiap is directed in between theY rollers 208,and 211 whereby during the continued downward movement of the envelope with its contents the flap is turned upward and drawn out from between the rollers 208 and 211'and will thereby assume it's normal ,position in relation to the body Vof the envelope when the body of the envelope and its contents*` ass out from between the cylin der 16and`t e rollers 198. In case the contents of the envelope are such that it is desired to seal the envelope, water is placed "into thetrough 213 lwhereby the roller 209 revolving therein will transmit moisture to the peripheryl of the roller 208 vwhich in turn willapply it tothe gummed flaps of the 'envelopes as they pass between such roller and the rollers 211. Both the rollers 208 and 209 are preferably of metal so that no surplus moisture will reach' the flap oi an envelope. y

The inclinedl upper ends of the guide strips 214 direct the liaps of the envelope be- .tween the rollers 208 and 211 in case thevlap which direct them into a receptacle which may be of any suitable character, but I prefer the construction shown and nextv described. l

"Two aligned lugs 216, one on either side projectforwardly from the side frames 10 and 11, each of'which lugs supports a forwardly inclined post 217 which posts are provided with sleeves 218 cut away forming longitudinal slots 219 in one side. Rods 220 ass into and are supported by .these sleeves. rackets 221 extend from each post 217 on their inner side provided with slotted sleeves 222 similar to the sleeves 218. Rods 223 pass into and are supported by these sleeves 222, which rods form the bottom of the receptacle, while the rods 220 form the sides thereof. A slidable support 225 for the filled envelopes is provided, which support carries sleeve 226 through which the rods 220 and 223 pass. The lower end of the support 225 extends belowtlie bottom rod223 and has a threaded concave ortion which engages with a screwshaft 227) journaled at one end in a bearing 228 in one of the brackets 221. A bevel gear 229 is fixed -to the end of the screwfshaft which extends 'slightly 'beyond its bearing v228. This bevel gear meshes with another bevel gear 230 fixed to a transverse shaft 231 ysupported in bearings in the side frames of the machine. .A bevel gear 232 fixed to the main shaft 14 meshes with another bevel gear 233 upon one end of a rod 234 upon the other end of which rod is another bevel gear 235 'which meshes with the'gear 230. This gearing moves the support'225 gradually along the inclined rods'220 and 223 while i the machine is in operation, thepitch of the thread on the screw-shaft 227 being such that the support 225 movescontinuously a distance equal to the thickness of a filled envelope. y

It is to be .understood that theword circulars as used herein is to be broadly construed asmeaning any type of mailing matter capable of being inserted into envelopes by the mechanism described.

I do not wish to be limited tothe precise construction and arrangement shown and described,- because it wil-l be apparent that various modifications might be'made without departing from the spirit and scope invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a cylinder, means for rotating the same, an envelope holder, means for opening the flaps of the envelopes one at a time and laying the fla upon the periphery of the rotating cylin er, means attached to the cylinder for gripping such flap and drawing the envelopes from the holder, and means for inserting articles into the envelopes as it is drawn along.

2. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a cylinder, means for ro- Ifor opening the flaps of the envelopes one at a time and laying the fia upon the periphery of the rotating cylinder, means attached to the cylinder for gripping such flap and drawing the envelope from the holder, means for opening the mouth of the envelope, and means for insert-ing articles into the envelope.

3. In a machine of the character described, the ,combination of a cylinder, means for rotating the same, an envelope holder, a pickerv linger for opening the flaps of the envelopes one at a time and laying the flap upon the periphery of the rotating cylinder, means for operating the picker finger, means attached to the cylinder for gripping the flap and drawing the envelope from the holder, and means for inserting articles into the envelope.

4. In a machine of the character described, thecombinatio'n of a cylinder, means for rotating the same, an envelope holder, a

picker finger for opening the flaps of thel for rotating the same, an envelope holder, -means for opening the flaps of the envelopes one at a time and laying the flap upon the periphery of the rotating cylinder, a plu- .ralityof dogs attached'to the cylinder in spaced alignment, means for opening the jaw of a dogv and closing itupon the flap of the envelope, and means for inserting articles into the envelope.

.6. In a machine of the character de- 'scribed,.the combination ofa cylinder, means' for rotating the same,`an envelope holder, a picker finger for opening the iapsof thel envelopes one at time andlaying the flap otmy tating the same, an envelope holder, means y upon the periphery of the rotating cylinder, 'means for operating the picker finger, a plurality of dogs attached to the cylinder in spaced alignment, .means for opening the jaw of a dog and cl sing it upon the flap of the envelope, means, :for inserting articles into the envelope, aNnd means for releasing the grip of the dog.

7. In la machine. of the (character described, tlie combination of a cylinder, means for rotating the same, an envelope holder, means for openin the flaps of the envelopes one at a time an laying the flap upon the q periphery of the lrotating cylinder, means at- 1 5 tached tothe cylinder for gripping the flap of the envelope, a holder for circulars supported by the frame of the machine forward of the envelope holder, means for drawing the circulars one at a time `from said holder, means for feeding the circular towards and into the advancing envelope, and means for releasing said gripping means.

8. In a lmachine of the character described, the combination of a cylinder, means for rotating'the same, an envelope holder, means for y:opening the flaps of t e envelopes one at a' time and laying the flap upon the periphery of the rotating cylindert means attached to the cylinder for gripping the flap and drawing the envelope from the holder, means for opening the mouth of the envelope, a. holder for circulars, a cam for drawing the circulars from the holder one' at f a time, means fpr operating said cam, and means for feeding the circular towards and into the open mouth ofthe envelope.

9. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a cylinder, means for rotating' the same, an envelope holder,

-means for opening the iiaps of the envelopes one at a time and laying the flap upon the A,periphery of the rotating cylinder, means attached to the cylinder for gripping theiiap of the envelope, means` for opening the mouth of the envelope, al holder for circulars, a cam for drawing the circulars from the holder one at a time, lmeans' for' operating said cam, ladjustable means for feeding the 56', `circulartowards and into the mouth of the envelope'as it advances, and means for releasin said gripping means. l

10. n a machine ofthe character -def scribed, the combination of acylinder, means" for rotating the same, an 'envelope' holder,

apicker finger for opening the lapsof the envelopes one at a time and laying the iiap upon the periphery of the rotating cylinder, means for operating the picker finger, a plurality of dogs'attached to the cylinder in spaced alignment, means for opening the jaw of a dog and closing it upon the ap of the envelope, means for opening the mouth of the'envelope, a holder for circulars, means n, for 'drawing the circulars from the holder frone at a time, means for feeding the circular towards and into the open inouthof the ad'- vancing envelope, and meanslfor releasing the grip of the dog.

11. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a cylinder, means for rotating the same, an envelope-holder, means for opening the flaps of the envelopes one at'a time and laying the flap upon the periphery of the rotating cylinder, means attached to the cylinder for gripping-the flap of the envelope and drawing it from the holder, means for opening the mouth of the' envelope, a holder for circulars', a. cam lfor drawing the circulars from the holder one at a' time, means for operating the cam, means forfeedingthe circular towards and into the envelope,l another holder for circulars forward of the first" holder, means for .withdrawing the circulars one at a time from the said second holder, means for feeding the circular towards and into the advancing envelope, and means for releasing saidgripping means. l

12. In a machine Vof the character described, the combination of a'cylinder, means for rotating the same, anenvelope holder,.a pickerfinger for'opening the flaps of the en-v velopes one at'a time and laying the flap upon the periphery of the rotating cylinder, means attached to-the cylinder for grippingl the iap and drawing the envelope from the holder, means for openingthe mouth ofthe envelope, a holder for circulars, a cam for drawing circulars from the holder one at a time, means for operating said cam, adju:` 100 able means for feeding the circular towards and into the envelope, another holder for circulars, a' cam for drawin circulars from said second holder one lat a time, means for o rating the cam, adjustablemeans for fee g 105 the circular towards' and into the envelope containing the circular from the first holder, an adjustable pusher finger supported in the path of the advancing envelope and -by which said circulars will be pushed further 11.0 into the envelope if projecting therefrom, and means for releasing said gripping means. -1 i 13. In a machine of the character Adescribed,- the combination of a cylinder, pro- 1,15 `vided with spaced inclined depressions in its periphery, means `for rotating the same, an enve ope holder, a picker finger for openfv ing the flaps of the envelopes one at a time and Laym the flap upon -t-he rotating cylinder wit n one of said inclined depressions, means for operating-the picker ingler n a plurality of spaced-aligned dogs joui-na riodically contact to open the jaws Aof the 130 ed f in frames attached, to the cylinder Ain vthe forward endfof each .depression andl promeanest v dogs, 7a spring connected with thefstem of -I each-dogfor closing the jaw ofthe dog upon the' iiap of the envelope when the stem of videdwith spaced inclineddepressions in its periphery, a picker finger for openingfthey -fiaps of 'the envelopes-one at a time and layling the flap upon the rotating cylinder.. `within one of said inclined depressions,"

means for' operating the picker finger, a

plurality of spaced aligned dogs' journaled in frames attached tothe cylinder in the forward end of each` depression .and 'provided ,withstems passingthrough slots in the cylinder, a stationary cam supported Within the the stems ofthe dogs periodically contact toopen the jaws ofthe dogs,v a spiral-spring connected with the stem of each dog for closing the jaw of the dog upon the flap of the envelope, means for. opening the mouthl of the envelope, and means for inserting articles into the envelope.

` 1'5. In a machine of4 the character described,'thecombination of a cylinder. p'ro-..

vided with spaced inclined depressions, in itsperiphery, means for rotatingithe same,

an envelope holder, .means for opening the .iaps of the envelopes one at a time and laying thev {iap upon therotating cylinder,- a

.plurality of spaced aligned dogsjournaled in framespattached to the cylinderv inthe forward end of each depression and pro-- vided with stems-passing through -slots in'- the'4 cylinder, a stationary .ca'in-v supported within the cylinder in the path of the dogs with which the stems of the dogs {periodcally' contact to 'open the jaws of the dogs,

'a spiral springl connected with the stem ofV each dog for closing theyjaw of the dog upon the iiap of theenvel'ope, a holder for 45.

-circular's,me ans for .drawing the circulars one at a time from said holder, adjustable means for feeding the circulars tow ard and into the advancing envelope, and means for releasing the gripof. the d'og.

16. Ina machine of the1 character described, the combination of a cylinder prov vided with spaced inclined'depressions in its periphery, means for rotating the same, an envelope holder, a picker iinger for opening the aps of the envelopes one `at a time and laying lthe yflap 'upon the rotating cylinder within one ofl said inclined ,depres-v sions, means for operating the picker finger, a plurality of spaced aligned dogs journaled in the frames attachedv to the cylinder in the forward end of each depression and pro vided with stems passing through slots in the cylinder, a stationary cam supported within the cylinder inthe path of the dogs with lwhich the vstems of the dogs periodically the dog. cylinderl in the path 4of the dogs with which Contactv to open the jaws of the dogs, aspiral spring .connected with the stem of each dog for closing the jaw of the dog upon the flap of the envelope, y means for opening the mouth of the envelope, a holder for circulars, a friction cam for drawing the circulars from the holder one. at a time, means fory operatingffthe cam, adjustable means for feeding the circular towards and into the holder, a picker finger for opening the iap's of the envelopes one at a time and llaying the iiap upon the periphery of the rotating cylinder,v means for operating the picker finger, meansattached to the cylinder for grippingthe iap of the envelope, a roller bearing resiliently upon the upper surface of the-envelopeas it is drawn forward, a plurality of spaced aligned pawls, located in slotsin the cylinder, means for raisin the pawlsfalgainst the under surfaces, o the envelopes as theyass `under said roller, wherebyl the mout lof the envelope is opened, and means for inserting articles into the'envelope.

18.111 a machine ofthe character .desciibed, vthe combination ofa cylinder provided lvwith spaced inclined depressions in its .'periphery,lmeans for rotating the samehan' envelope holder, a picker ingerff'or opening theflap's'of the envelopes one at a time and laying Vthe iap uponthe rotating cylinder within one of said depressions, means for operating the picker finge-r, a plurallty of aligneddogs journaled in frames attachedto lthe cyllnder in the forward end of each depression and provided with stems piassing through slots in the cylinder, a

stationary-cam Supported within the cylinder inthe path of the do with which the stems' of the dogs perio ically contact to open the jaws of the dogs, a sprin connecte ed with the stem of each dog for c 'osing the jaw of tlie'dog upon the flap -of the envelope when the .stem of the dog passes odi sald cam, meansj for opening the ,mouth of the envelope,1a holder for circulars, means for drawing thecirculars one at a time from said holder, adjustable means forI feeding the-circular toward and into the advancing' envelope, an .adjustable pusher finger supported inthe path of theenvelope and by which the circulars 'will be pushed further into the envelope if projecting therefrom,

rollersv having a resilient bearing upon the periphery of the cylinder which rollers bear upon the filled envelope as it passes below said pusher nger, a stationary cam'supporte within the'cylinder with which the stems ofthe dogs contact to release their grip upon the flap of the envelope, and means for'turning lthe flap of the envelope back ainst the filled body.l A.

19..y n a machine of the character described, the' combination of a cylinder, means for rotating the same, an envelope holder, a picker finger for opening the flaps of the envelopes one at a time and laying the flap upon the periphery of the rotating cylinder,

means for operatin the picker finger, means attached to the, cy inder for gripping the flap of the envelope, a roller bearing resiliently upon the upper surface of the envelope as it is drawn forward, a plurality of spaced aligned pawls'located in slots in the cylinder, means for raising the pawls'l against the under surfaces of the envelopes as they pass under said roller to open the mouth of the envelope, a holder for circulars, means ford'rawing the circulars one at a time fr om said holder, adjustable means for conveyln the circular .towards and into the mouth o the advancing envelope, a secondholder for circulars forward of said first holder, means4 for withdrawing the circulars therefrom ,one at a time, adjustable means for convey- 1 such circular towards and into the enveope containing the first circular, an adjustable usher fingerI supported in the pathV of the fil ed envelope and by which the circulars are pushed further into the envelope if projecting therefrom, rollers having a resillent bearlng upon the periphery of the cylinder which rollers bear upon the lfilled envelope as it passes below said pusher finger, means for releasingthe-flap from said gripping means, rollers between which the released fia is received andturned back against the ody of the envelope as it is fed along, a guide for directing the filled .envelope downwardly in a vertical position as 'it is released from contact with the cylinder and said flap turning' rollers, and a receptacle intol which such envelope falls by gravity.

20. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a cylinderprov vided with spaced inclined depressions in its 55.

periphery, means for rotating the same, an envelope holder, a picker finger for opening thefiaps of the envelopes one at a time and layingy the flap upon the rotating cylinder Vwlthin one of said inclined depressions,

means for operating the picker finger, a plurality of spgaced aligned dogs journaled in frames attached to the cylinder in the forward end of each depression -and provided with stems passing through slots in the cylinder, a stationary cam supported within the cylinder with which-the stems of the dogs periodically contact to open the jaws of the dogs, a spring. connected with the stem ofeach dog for closing the jaw o-f the- Ivelope as it asses under said lroller to open the mouth o the envelope, a holder for circulars, means for drawing -the circulars one at a time from said holder, adjustable means for conveying the circular towards and into the 4mouth of the advancing envelope, a second holder for circulars, means for withdrawing the circulars therefrom one at' a time, adjustable means for conveying said circulars towards and'I into the envelope containing the first circular, an 'adjustable pusher finger by which the circulars are pushed lfurther into the envelope if project- 4-ing therefrom, rollers having a resilient bearing-upon the periphery of the cylinder which rol ers bear upon the filled envelope as it passes below said pusher finger, means `for releasing the grip of the dogs upon the fiap of the envelope, rollers between whichv the released fia is received and turned back a ainst-the bo y ofthe envelope as it is fed a ong, .a gui-de for directing the filled envelope downwardly in a vertical position as it is released from contact with the cylinder and said fiap turning1rollers, and a-receptacle into which such :envelope falls by gravity.`

21.- n a machine of the character described, the combination of a cylinder,'means forrotating .the same, an envelope holder, means for opening the fiaps of the envelopes one atl a time and laying the 'fiap upon the periphery of the rotating cylinder, means attached tol thefcylinder for gripping the flap of theI envelope, means for openingthe mouth of' the envelope, a1 holder for circulars, meansl for I drawlng the circulars therefrom: one at a time, adjustable means for conveying the circular towards and into `the mouth of the advancing envelope, 'a second holder for circulars, means for withdrawing. the circulars therefrom one at a time, adj ustablel means for conveying said circular towards and into the envelope containing the first circular, an

adjustable pusher finger by which the circu-v lars are pushed further into the envelopeif projecting therefrom, rollers having a:V resilient bearing upon the periphery of-the cylinder and bearing upon the filled envelope as it passes below said pusher finger, means forreleasing the fiap from said gripping means, rollers between which the vend of thereleased flap is received and turned back against'the body of the envelope as it is fed scribed,'the combination of a cylinder, means y for rotating the same, an envelope holder,

means for limiting the forward movement of theenvelopes therein, means for opening the fiaps of the envelopes one at a time and laying the fiap upon the periphery of the rotatingcylinder, means -attached to the. cylinder formgripping the flap and drawing the envelope from the holder, zmeans for opening the mouth of the envelope, and means for inserting articles'into the envelope.

23. In a machine of the 'character described, the combination of a cylinder, means for rotatin the same, an. envelope holder, rollers bearing against the front ofthe stack of envelopes therein, a picker finger for opening the flaps of the envelopes one at a time andlaying the flap upon the periphery of the rotating. cylinder, means for operating the picker finger,'means attached to the cyllnder for gripplng the Hap and drawing the .envelope from the holder, and means for-in s'erting articlesinto the envelope.

24. vIn a machine of the *charactery described, the combination of a cylinder, means for rotating the same, an envelope holder, rollers bearing against thestack of envelopes therein, a picker finger for opening the flaps of the envelopes one at a time and laying the fiap upon the periphery of the rotating cylinder, means for operatin the picker finger, means attached to the cyllnder for gripping the flap and V'drawing the envelope from the holder, a holder for circulars, rollers bearing against the stack of circulars therein, means '-or drawing the circulars from the holder one'at a time, adjustable means for convey- 4 ing the circular towards 4and into the envelope, an adjustable pusher finger for pushing the circular into the envelope if it projects therefrom,^rollers having a resilient -bearing upon the filled envelope as it passes below the pusher finger, means for releasing .the fiap from said gripping means, rollers 'between which the end of the released Hap is received and turned back against the body of the envelope, a water trough, a vroller therein, and means for rotating the roller to apply moisture to one of said flap turning rollers.

25. ln a machine of the character described, the combination of a cylinder, means for rotating the same, an envelope holder, rollers bearing against the stack of envelopes therein, a picker finger for opening thelaps of the envelopes one at a time and laying the flap upon the vperiphery of the rotating cylinder, means for operating the piclrer finger, means attached to the cyllnder for gripping the Hap and drawing theenvelope from the holder, a holder for circulars, rollers bearing against' the stack of circulars therein, means for drawing the circulars one at a time from the holder, adjustable means'for conveying the circular towards and into the envelope, a second holder for circulars, rollers bearing against the stack of circulars therein, means for drawing the circulars from the holder one at a time, adjustable means for conveying thecirculars towards and into the envelope containing the circular from the firs.I

' holder, an adjustable pusher finger by which the circulars are pushed further into the envelope if projecting therefrom, rollers having a resilient bearing upon the lled envelope as it passes below the pusher finger, means for releasing the flap from said grip- 'ping means, rollers between which the end of the released flap is received and turned back against the body of the envelope, a water such roller to apply moisture to one' of said iap'turning rollers, a receptacle for the filled envelopes, and a guide for' directing the envelopes into said receptacle as they fall by gravity.

Signed byrme this 15th day' of Uctober 1920.

GERGE F. RUSS.,

trough, a roller therein, means for rotating f 

